Over a quarter of all people claiming incapacity benefits in Exeter have been re-assessed and found to be fit to work by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Figures which show the outcome of 566,760 incapacity benefits re-assessments since 2010 have been released this week and show how 290 of 1,120 claimants in Exeter were found to be ‘capable of working’.

In the South West 11,820 of 41,580 (25%) of claimants assessed were found to be fit for work according to DWP, with Plymouth having the highest percentage of 31%. (See table below)

Those people who have been assessed as capable of working are now no longer eligible for sickness benefits and will receive help from Jobcentre Plus and the Work Programme to find a job.

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The figures also show that in Exeter, of the 74% entitled to incapacity benefit, 26% will receive unconditional support as they are too ill or disabled to work, and 48% were placed in the Work Related Activity group, which means they are too ill or disabled to work but will be expected to take steps towards an eventual return to work when they are able.